Scotland finished fourth in the Six Nations but their backline in particular impressed throughout and that is likely to be reflected in Andy Farrell’s British & Irish Lions squad.
The coach will name his tour party for Australia on May 8 at a glitzy event at the O2 in London in front of 2,000 Lions supporters.
Four years ago, when the world was still in the grip of Covid, eight Scots were included in the 37-strong squad which went to South Africa and lost the Test series 2-1 during a tour played out in empty stadiums.
It was the biggest Scottish contingent in an initial Lions touring party for 32 years, since nine were named for the 1989 tour to Australia. This year’s quota should exceed both those totals.
The 2021 tourists from Scotland were backs Chris Harris, Stuart Hogg, Duhan van der Merwe, Ali Price and Finn Russell and forwards Zander Fagerson, Rory Sutherland and Hamish Watson. Van der Merwe, Russell and Fagerson are all in the frame to again be selected.
Here are 12 Scots who could help the Lions roar:
5. Rory Darge
The Scotland co-captain had a slightly underwhelming Six Nations but has showed enough at Test level previously to be in the frame for Lions consideration. His ability at the breakdown and quiet authority would make him an asset but he will probably need to excel in the latter part of the season to convince Farrell. Given everything Glasgow have to play for, he has the perfect platform. | SNS Group
6. Ben White
A good Six Nations for the Scotland scrum-half who scored tries in consecutive matches against Italy, Ireland and England. At 26, he is in his prime. Part of a high-flying Toulon squad but has to share the No 9 jersey with Baptiste Serin. | SNS Group / SRU
7. Finn Russell
Injuries disrupted his last time with the Lions in 2021 but he showed what he was about when he came off the bench early in the final Test against South Africa. A Fin Smith bandwagon is in full flow and the England fly-half had a fine Six Nations but Russell remains the pre-eminent No 10 available to the Lions. | PA
8. Tom Jordan
Started the Six Nations on the bench but a deserved starter for the final four matches with a series of muscular performances that catapulted him into the Lions conversation. Can play stand-off, centre and full-back and his versatility could be a big asset for the tourists. | SNS Group